What happens if a judge finds you guilty?

What happens if a judge finds you guilty?

If you are found guilty after a trial or after pleading guilty, the Judge will impose a sentence. You should talk to your lawyer or court worker about what happened in court. They will tell you if you have to pay a fine, meet with a probation officer, or follow any special rules. The judge may put you on probation.

What happens if you are found guilty of a crime?

If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will proceed to sentencing. Sentencing may occur on the day that the defendant is found guilty or later. Sentences for misdemeanors are not nearly as severe as felony sentences. The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor offense is up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

Do judges decide if your guilty?

Courts and Legal Procedure The jury decides whether a defendant is “guilty” or “not guilty” in criminal cases, and “liable” or “not liable” in civil cases. When cases are tried before a jury, the judge still has a major role in determining which evidence may be considered by the jury.

What right does a defendant who is found guilty have?

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to a lawyer, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.

What happens after you’re found not guilty?

A verdict of not guilty constitutes an acquittal. In other words, to find a defendant not guilty is to acquit. At trial, an acquittal occurs when the jury (or the judge if it’s a judge trial) determines that the prosecution hasn’t proved the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. (But see Jury Nullification.)

What is the difference between being guilty and being found guilty by a jury?

If a jury or judge finds you not guilty of a criminal charge, you are acquitted and your case is closed. If you’re found guilty of a charge, you are said to be convicted and must face the penalties imposed for the crime, though you have the option to appeal. In this way, a conviction is the opposite of an acquittal.

What’s the difference between being convicted and found guilty?

You are not guilty of a crime. Conviction – A conviction means that you have been found guilty of a crime by a court or that you have agreed to plead guilty to a crime. If you are found guilty of, or plead guilty to, any level of crime, you are generally considered to have a conviction.